Darwin's homeless affected by Obama's visit

Darwin is seeing the largest security operation ever undertaken by Northern Territory Police in preparation for the visit of US president Barack Obama.

Transcript

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STEVE CANNANE, PRESENTER: Darwin is putting the touches on the final preparations for president Barack Obama's visit to the Top End tomorrow afternoon.

It's the largest security operation ever undertaken by Northern Territory police and it's already having an impact on the city's homeless population.

Jano Gibson reports.

JANO GIBSON, REPORTER: Barack Obama's top end adventure is still a day away, but the US military build-up has already begun. The president will only be in town for two hours, but the city is pumped.

PAUL HENDERSON, NT CHIEF MINISTER: I can certainly assure the president of the United States of a very warm welcome in Darwin.

JANO GIBSON: The welcome mat might be out for Mr Obama, but not for Darwin's long grasses. They've been forced to leave a harbour-side park that the president will visit.

ILANA ELDRIDGE, LARRAKIA NATION: There are not enough accommodation places available for the sheer number of internally displaced Aboriginal people.

JANO GIBSON: A local climbing gym has offered to shelter them for the night.

CLIMBING GYM EMPLOYEE: I think it's important that we send a message that of course you're welcome in your city centre.

JANO GIBSON: The public have been told to stay away as well.

PAUL HENDERSON: The events at the Esplanade is by invitation only.

JANO GIBSON: Residents in nearby apartments have even been ordered to use appropriate behaviour on their balconies.

SHAYNE MAINES, NT POLICE: There is a heightened security around the venue. I just ask people to use common sense.

JANO GIBSON: These Darwin activists say they had a surprise visit from police last week, wanting to know their movements during the president's visit.

ROB INDER-SMITH, ACTIVIST: It was a waste of time, a waste of their time and a waste of taxpayers' money because who's going to tell them anyway? As if I'd say, "Yeah, come in. I've just got a new sawn-off shotgun to show you."

JANO GIBSON: It's the first time a sitting US president will visit Darwin and the city is getting a last-minute spruce up. And while Mr Obama's whirlwind tour won't allow him to see some of the local scenery, he will get to take home a piece of Territory culture by Tiwi artist Jean Baptiste Apuatimi.